52 Ancestors - #7: Dessie Church—revisited

Dessie Church

I’ve blogged about Dessie Church in the past so will consider this blog entry to be an update.

Dessie Church was born on February 23, 1889 on the family farm in Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia. She was the 6th child of 11 born to Robert Church and Lucinda Murphy—George, Samuel C., James Benton, Jennie F., Anna B., Dessie, Charles Cleveland, Martha, William Henry, Donald Roy, and Presley Church. Dessie was just Dessie. She was not given a middle name.

Census records show Dessie living with her family in the Church District of Wetzel County in June 1900.

On April 28, 1910, she was single and still living at home with her family in the Clay District of Wetzel County. Her occupation was listed as servant for a private family. She was able to read and write.

On December 16, 1914, she married Charles Homer Murphy, son of Martin William Murphy and Sarah Elizabeth Anderson, in Wetzel County. Dessie was 25 and Charles was 29. Together, they had five children—Ralph, Evelyn, Raymond, Glenn, and Earl—all of whom were born at home. The family lived near Fish Creek along the railroad tracks in Littleton.

On January 14–15, 1920, Dessie, Charles, and son Ralph lived in the Clay District next door to her parents.

Dessie with four of her children

On April 5–7, 1930, Dessie, Charles, and all five of their children lived in Littleton, Clay District. The record shows that Dessie didn’t attend school. Her brother Presley lived three houses away.

On April 16, 1940, the entire family still lived in Littleton, Clay District. This record shows the highest grade Dessie attended was 8th.

Dessie was a homemaker and worked hard to make a good life for her husband and children. All of their clothes were homemade—nothing bought from a store. Dessie sewed their clothes on a pedal sewing machine. She cooked and canned food for her family using food from family members and local farmers. Her brother Henry was a farmer in Kodol, a little over 10 miles from Littleton. She probably got much of the food from him.

Family meant a lot of Dessie so she was close to her siblings. Her youngest son Earl remembers the family visiting aunts and uncles, or going to family reunions. Before Charles and Dessie owned a car, they took a wagon to Kodol to visit her brother Henry and his wife Gay. Later they bought a Model T car. Unlike today’s cars, the Model T didn’t start with a key. To start the Model T, you had to crank it by hand. Earl remembers his Dad building a fire under the edge of the car engine in the winter to warm the oil so they could crank the car. At some point due to health reasons, Charles stopped driving so Dessie had her oldest son Ralph drive her and the younger children to Smithfield to visit her sister Anna and brother-in-law Enos Perry Jackson. Earl remembers the children playing ball there. Ralph also drove the family to Mannington for family reunions held at a large park there.

Dessie died at home in Littleton on November 20, 1940 from stomach cancer at the young age of 51. Her youngest child Earl was only 12 years old. Dessie, along with her parents, husband, and sister Jennie, are buried in the front row at the base of the hill at Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Wetzel County. Her son Glenn was eventually buried there as well. Dessie lived her entire life in Wetzel County.

She was a descendent of Henry “Old Hundred” Church for whom the town of Hundred was named.

 



52 Ancestors - #6: Thomas Terrell Burnette

Thomas Terrell Burnette family, ca. 1908

Thomas Terrell Burnette, the son of Samuel Pride Burnett and Millicent Virginia Overton, was born July 20, 1869 in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was the 2nd child of 13—John William, Thomas, C. B. Annbelle, Abijah Winkfield, Oscar Lee, Mathew E., Laura J., Frances Elizabeth, Mattie Lou, Benjamin Franklin, Virginia O., Joseph Benjamin, and Mollie M. Burnett. He is my great-grandfather.

The “e” in Burnette comes and goes. First you see it, and then you don’t. I’ve chosen to use it for Thomas but not for his father, Samuel, based on what was used on their tombstones.

The Burnette family was just getting started when the enumerator came through Covington, Newton County Georgia on July 28, 1870. Thomas, at 11 months old, was just an infant. His big brother John was two. Their father farmed the land while their mother kept house. Thomas’ mother was born in Newton County so it’s no surprise that they lived there.

By June 18, 1880, the family had moved from Newton to Gwinnett County, living in the Harbins District. Thomas was 10 years old.

Thomas married Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Henry Clayborn Jones, Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Tuck, on December 10, 1893 in Walton County, Georgia. Together, they had 13 children—Luther Terrell, Eva Drucilla, Floria Mae, Jesse, twin to Jesse, Willie Loyd, Prince Albert, Claudia (twin), Maudie (twin), Henry T., Eleanor Estelle, Samuel A., and Julia Virginia Burnette.

On June 26, 1900, Thomas and family lived in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County, Georgia. Thomas and Elizabeth have been married for six years. He’s a farmer. The record shows that Elizabeth has had five children and that five are living. However, there are only four children listed in the census record—Luther, Eva (enumerated as Ever), Flora, and a son named Jesse (age 1, born January 1899 in Georgia). According to a living family member, Elizabeth had two sets of twins. One set survived but one set died at age one. This census record is the only time I find a child named Jesse listed. Where is the fifth child? Is that child Jesse’s twin? If the family history is true, Jesse would have died shortly after this census was taken.

On April 28, 1910, Thomas and family lived in Greshamville, Greene County, Georgia. He’s enumerated as Tom and is still farming. This record shows that Elizabeth has had 10 children, 8 of which are living. This leads me to believe the twin story is true. Still at home are Luther, Eva (again enumerated as Ever), and Floria and they’ve added five more children to the family—Willie, Prince (enumerated as Price), twins Claude and Maud, and Henry.

On January 10, 1916 Thomas’ mother died, most likely in Walton County. She was buried at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville, Walton County.

By February 13, 1920, the family has moved to the Walkers District of Greene County where they would stay. Thomas is still farming on a general farm. Elizabeth is enumerated as Lizzie. Ten children are living in the home. Two years after Henry was born, Elizabeth gave birth to Eleanor, followed by Samuel (enumerated as Sammie), and Julia. As often happens, Thomas’ father, Samuel, 78 years old and widowed, had moved in with his son after the death of his wife. Thomas’ son Luther and his wife Etta Belle lived next door.



Tom and Lizzie's headstone at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery

Thomas’ father died on September 2, 1926 in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia. He was buried beside his wife at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

On April 14, 1930, the family still lived in the Walkers District. Only three of their children are living in the home now—Henry, Sam, and Julia. Everyone in the house is able to read and write. Luther and his family still lived next door and have added two daughters to their family—Hazel and Francis. Thomas is still farming and now has Henry as a helper.

On February 6, 1940 at age 71, Thomas died in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia. He was buried at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensboro. His death certificate listed the cause of death as chronic myocarditis, an inflammation of heart muscle.

My Daddy remembers Thomas as being a good man and always spoke fondly of him.

The family photo at the beginning of this blog post was taken at a Jones family reunion. Click on the photo to see a larger version.

52 Ancestors - #5: Electra Burnette Smith

Electra Burnette Smith, the daughter of John Thompson Smith and Jane Gordon, was born on February 11, 1841 in Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. She was the oldest of six children—Electra, Erastus C., Eunice Alvira, Martha Jane, Minerva, and John Milton Smith. Electra also had half-siblings from her mother’s first marriage to John McIlwain—Margaret, James Xenophon, Eva, and John S. McIlwain. Her name was sometimes written as Erecta. She went by the nickname Lec.

Sadness came into Electra’s life early when her one year old sister, Minerva, died in Apollo on May 17, 1850.

Nine year old Electra lived with her family in Apollo on November 7, 1850. Her 20 year old half-sister Margaret and 14 year old half-brother John lived in the home as well.

Apollo’s First Presbyterian Church register shows that Electra was admitted to the church on October 8, 1858 by Escamination. She was baptized and received full communion as an adult on October 10, 1858. Electra was listed as Miss Electa Barnet Smith in the registry.

On July 5, 1860, an 18 year old Electra still lived at home. Her occupation was Laborer. Mostly likely, she worked in her father’s inn. John Smith was one of the local innkeepers. His inn was on the corner of North and Canal Streets in Apollo.

Electra and her half-brother, James Xenophon McIlwain, often corresponded during the Civil War. A McIlwain family member who has copies of many of these letters surmises that Electra had feelings for Samuel Stewart, a member of James’ company. Sam Stewart was killed at the Battle of South Mountain in September 1862.

Death comes to the Smith home again on March 11, 1864 when Electra’s father died.

On June 24, 1870, Electra is still living at home in the Kelly’s Station section of Apollo. She’s 29 years old. The only other sibling in the home is her 19 year old brother, John. Thomas K. McBride, a 21 year old physician, is living with Jane, Electra, and John. Jane’s occupation is “Keeping Boarding House” so one would assume that Electra and John are helping their widowed Mother run the inn.

Electra’s mother died on March 11, 1877.

On June 23, 1880, Electra and her brother, John, were living together in Apollo. She was 39 years old and keeping house. No one else is living in the home with them. Electra is head of the household.

Electra’s brother Erastus died in Apollo on April 13, 1886.

Four years later on March 19, 1890, Electra’s sister, Eunice Alvira Smith Jack, died in Apollo leaving six children behind for her husband Daniel Jack to raise alone—three under the age of 18.

Daniel Jack, Electra Smith Jack, and Athya child

On February 20, 1896 at the age of 55, Electra married Daniel Jack in Apollo. Daniel, the son of Samuel Smith Jack and Catherine Beck, was her sister Eunice Alvira Smith Jack’s widowed husband. This was a first marriage for Electra and second for Daniel.

The 1900 Apollo census shows that Electra had been married four years to Daniel. She had no children according to this census record.

The 1910 Apollo census shows that Electra has been married once, 14 years to Daniel. She had no children according to this census record.

Electra’s brother, John Milton Smith, died in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 1912.





Electra's water pitcher

The 1915 New Kensington Directory listed Daniel and Electra at 4th North Pennsylvania Avenue S in Apollo.

The book “From 1816–1916: History of Apollo Pennsylvania—The Year of a Hundred Years,” written by T. J. Henry, M.D. and published in 1916 by The News-Record Publishing Company in Apollo acknowledges Electra’s (and others) contributions for “information furnished from memory’s stores” in the book’s Foreward. She also has a personal mention on page 89—“Mrs. DANIEL JACK (nee SMITH), is the oldest native inhabitant of Apollo.

The 1920 Armstrong County census shows that Electra can read and write. There is a woman named Margaret Hunter living with Daniel and Electra. Margaret’s occupation is housekeeper; she is single and 20 years old. In an affidavit dated May 18, 1922, Margaret stated that she was 22 years old and “is employed in the home of Daniel Jack, Civil War Veteran, Pension Certificate Number 983474. That said Daniel Jack requires almost constant attention, having to have someone help dress him every day. That his mind is in such condition that if he leaves the house even for a short distance by himself he becomes lost and has to have some neighbor bring him home. Affiant has lived in the home almost three years and knows the above facts from personal knowledge. That she is not in any way related to the Soldier.”

Electra’s sister Martha died in Apollo on March 31, 1921.

Electra and Daniel lived in the home of George Athya and his wife Bertha (Smith) Athya in Apollo. Bertha, the daughter of John Milton Smith, was Electra’s niece. The downstairs was completely private. They used a common staircase to go upstairs where they had separate bedrooms. Electra had a bedroom upstairs and three rooms downstairs. The house was owned by Bertha’s brother, Benjamin Gordon Smith. Daniel died in this house on December 10, 1925.

As Daniel had served in Company G of the 40th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War, Electra submitted a Declaration for Widow’s Pension in Armstrong County on December 14, 1925. She listed her address as 319 South 4th Street, Apollo. The declaration is witnessed by Sylvester F. Hildebrand and Effie G. Beale (Daniel’s oldest daughter with Eunice). Electra received $30 per month, commencing on December 16, 1925.

Sylvester Hildebrand and Xenophon W. McIlwain witnessed an affidavit in Electra’s filing for a widow’s pension in which they stated: On this Eleventh day of January A.D. 1926, personally appeared before me, Notary Public in and for the aforesaid county duly authorized to administer oaths S. F. Hildebrand, age 79 years, a resident of Apollo, in the County of Armstrong and State of Pennsylvania whose post office address is Apollo, Penna., and, X. W. McIlwain, aged 6? [unreadable] years, a resident of Kiskiminetas Township in the County of Armstrong, and State of Pennsylvania whose post office address is Apollo, Penna., well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That they have been near neighbors of applicant for their entire life. Ques. 6, That they know there was no prior marriage, Ques. 8, Affiants know there was no prior marriage of the soldier other than to Eunice A. Smith. Affiants have known the solider personally all their lives. Question 9, Affiants know that the claimant and soldier were never divorced and they lived together continuously as husband and wife from the date of marriage to the date of the soldiers death. Further declared that they have no interest in said case, and are not concerned in its prosecution.

According to 1930 census records, Electra lived with her stepdaughter, Effie Jack Beale and her family, in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She’s 89 years old and widowed. In 1931, the Pittsburgh City Directory listed Electra, widow of Dan, as living at 4947 Wallingford.

On April 22, 1932 at the age of 91, Electra died of hypostatic congestion of the lungs in Washington, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania at the home of George and Bertha Athya. Mrs. George (Bertha) Athya of Apollo is the informant on Electra’s death certificate. Electra was buried at Apollo Cemetery. Her funeral services were held in Apollo’s First Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 25. Her obituary stated “… Her father was a tavern keeper nearly a century ago when Apollo was a stopping place on the “high road” from Pittsburgh to Indiana. Her remarkable memory enabled her to the last to recall much of interest about this section as it was many years ago. She took a keen interest in the people and affairs of the community even through the closing years of her life. She was survived by five stepchildren: Charles S. Jack, Vandergrift; Mrs. A. H. Beale and Mrs. William Clark, of Pittsburgh; Howard S. Jack, Apollo, and Frank Jack, Chicago, Ill. The Rev. C. W. Cochran was in charge of the funeral services. Out-of-town guests attending her funeral were Mrs. A. H. Beale and son, Joseph, Miss Mary and Miss Lydia Chambers and Mrs. Sidney McCabe, of Pittsburgh; Mrs. and Mrs. Will Clark, of Steubenville; Frank Jack, of Chicago, Ill.; Archie Evans, of Warren, Ohio, Miss Elsie Evans, of Gary, Ind., and Mrs. Howard Cochran, of Ashley, Ohio.”

She was hard of hearing late in life and is remembered as using a trumpet hearing aid.

When I told my mother-in-law I planned to research her Smith lineage, she responded that with the Smith surname, it would probably be impossible. Lucky me that John and Jane Smith decided to give their children unusual (well maybe not for the times) names and that my husband’s grandmother cared enough about her family to pass these names down to her daughter who then passed them down to me.

52 Ancestors - #4: Alice Beman Lankford

Alice Beman Lankford

Alice Beman Lankford, the daughter of James C. Lankford and Mary Ann Wilson, was born August 11, 1872 in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia. She was the 2nd of 10 children—Homer J., Alice, Julia Lee, Jessica Corinne, James Vason, Mary Corrine, Nathan Lawrence, Vincent Thomas, Oliver Wilson, and Lillie Della. She is my great-grandmother.

In June 1880, seven year old Alice was living with her family in Falling Creek, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. They live next door to her grandparents, James M. and Caroline (Hobbs) Lankford.

In early 1887, Alice was allegedly raped by Thomas Janes Jr., the son of Thomas Janes Sr., Georgia’s first Commissioner of Agriculture. Alice became pregnant as a result of the alleged rape and gave birth to a son, Carroll Harvey, in Penfield on September 21, 1887. Alice would have been 15 years old at that time. Her grandson remembers two school teachers pulling him and his older sister aside to tell them this story—one I’ve heard many times over the years.

Carroll was given the Lankford surname. Years later in 1947 when submitting an “Application for Social Security Account Number,” Carroll listed his father as Jim (James C.) Lankford and his mother as Mary Wilson (Alice’s parents). I have tracked James and Mary Lankford through all but the 1890 census which was destroyed by fire in 1921 at the Commerce Department in Washington, DC, and have never found a son named Carroll H. Lankford listed with the family. Carroll also listed his birth year as 1889 vs. 1887 which is what is listed on both his death certificate and tombstone. Carroll’s death certificate listed his father as Joe Lankford and his mother as Alice Lankford Callaway. The informant was his oldest child. The family Bible only lists his mother, Alice Callaway. Carroll’s obituary lists a half-brother, Homer Callaway, as a survivor. With all of these discrepancies and the fact that he was given the Lankford surname, I feel something had to have happened but doubt we’ll ever be able to prove anything. I have yet to find a birth record for Carroll.

The Janes family has many connections to Penfield. One example is an Atlanta Constitution article dated May 12, 1883 via the Oglethorpe Echo which states “A few weeks ago while Mr. J. C. Lankford was plowing along down on Dr. Janes’s home place he plowed up the frame of some person who had been buried there in the past. It was lying due east and west and was in its natural form. The contents were gathered up and carried to Dr. Janes for examination and he pronounced it to be an Indian child between 8 and 12 years old.” This article confirms a connection to the Janes and Lankford families.

I’ve been told many times that Carroll never got over the fact that he was illegitimate. It’s sad that he had to live his entire life under these circumstances and that if this story is true, Alice had to live the lie most of her life as well.

Now back to Alice. On October 27, 1897 in Greene County, Alice married Robert Dawson Callaway, the son of Lemuel L. Lunceford Callaway Jr. and Anna Josephine Mullins. John S. Callaway performed the ceremony which was recorded by James H. McWhorter, Ordinary.

Updated 5/8/26 to correct Lemuel's middle name.

On June 9, 1900, Alice and Robert are living in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. A son named Homer C. (Crawford), born February 1899, is living with them. The census record states that Alice has had one child and that one child is living.

In May 1910, Alice and Robert are still in Woodville. Both Homer (age 11) and Carroll (age 19) are living with them. Carroll is listed as Carrel L. Callaway. The record states that Alice has had two children, both of which are living.

By January 1920, Alice and Robert have moved to Penfield, living on Penfield Road. The census record shows that Alice is able to read and write. Her occupation is listed as laborer on a home farm. Both boys have left the home by this time with Homer and his wife Lou Emma (Armour) living next door.

On April 22, 1930, Alice and Robert are still in Penfield. Homer, Lou Emma, and their son Dawson are living with them.

Bob and Alice Callaway photo from the Library of Congress

Alice and Robert are still in Penfield in 1940. Homer and his family are living next door.

In 1941, photographer Jack Delano, working for the U.S. Farm Security Administration, took at least two photos* of Alice and Robert for the book Tenants of the Almighty by Arthur F. Raper. The book, published by The MacMillian Company in 1943, depicted the story of Greene County, Georgia and its agriculture. Alice and Robert didn’t make the book but both pictures are in the Library of Congress. The photo is captioned “Mr. and Mrs. Bob Callaway, couple receiving old age pension, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia.” Every time I look at this picture I wonder what my great-grandmother would have thought about this!

When Alice’s sister Jessie died in 1951, Alice was living in Union Point, Greene County, Georgia according to Jessie's obituary.

On December 5, 1951, Alice died at her son Homer’s home in Union Point. She was 79 years old. Alice was buried at Penfield Cemetery. According to Familypedia, “only a long-time resident of Penfield, Georgia, or a former long-time resident of Penfield, Georgia, or a long-time employee of Mercer University may be buried in the cemetery.” Alice’s funeral service took place on December 6 at Penfield Baptist Church where she had been a member. Rev. L. T. Newland and Rev. R. W. Greene officiated. The pallbearers were Messrs. T. R. Walker, T. F. Yearwood, D. L. Walker, H. W. Lankford, H. V. Lankford, and Julius Callaway. Union Point’s M. H. Callaway and Company Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Her son Carroll, of Penfield, was listed as a brother in her obituary. Other survivors were two sisters, Mrs. Jack Callaway, of Greensboro; Mrs. W. A. McCollum, of Smyrna; four brothers, N. L. Lankford, of Union Point; V. T. Lankford, of Penfield; Oliver Lankford, of Atlanta; 6 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Alice was a petite woman and never weighed 100 pounds in her life. Her grandson tells me that she was a beautiful woman when she was young. They called her Granny Callaway. I’ve been told she was as “mean as a snake” but have never heard any stories to back that up. Alice and Bob were married for 54 years.

Alice and the birth of Carroll is a major brick wall for me. If Henry Louis Gates Jr. were to ask me which ancestors I wanted him to research, they would be on the top of my list.

*Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, reproduction number LC-USF34-046541-D, Jack Delano, photographer.

52 Ancestors - #3: George Durie Athya

George Durie Athya

George Durie Athya, the son of James Athya and Jemima Durie, was born at 2:15 p.m. on June 26, 1892 at Academy Square in the District of Bothwell, Lanark County, Mossend Scotland. His birth was registered by William M. Nab on July 18, 1892. It’s believed that James and Jemima had at least 10, possibly more, children but only eight have been identified—Margaret, Elizabeth, Isabella, Robert, John, George, David, and Mary. Both George and Robert shared their mother’s maiden name as their middle name. George was my husband’s maternal grandfather.

The 1901 census of Dalziel Parrish of North East Lanark lists an 8 year old George.

George served in the 324 H.S. Coy, Labour Corps. He was first posted to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders where he reached the rank of Corporal. He enlisted in Glasgow, Scotland on March 15, 1909 and served during World War I along with his brothers, Robert and David. George and Robert made it through the war; however, David was killed in action. Family history is that David most likely died in the second Battle for Ypres standing in a Belgium trench between his brothers. George was discharged on June 3, 1919 as being surplus to military requirements after having suffered impairments since entry into the Service. He had served for 9 years and 357 days with the Colours. George was awarded the Victory Medal, British War Medal, and 15 Star Medal for his service in France. He had also spent time in India and Egypt.

George, David, and Robert Athya

George was a member of the Rutherglen Royal Arch Lodge in 1920. He was also a Mason.

On May 11, 1920, George was issued passport number 132439 and immigrated to America on the ship Columbia. He departed from Glasgow, Scotland and arrived at Ellis Island New York on November 9, 1920. George paid for his passage to America himself. This was his first time in the United States where he was joining his sister, Mrs. Margaret (Athya) Close of Pleasant Heights, Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio with the intention of staying permanently. He was in good health at the time of his arrival. The ship manifest shows that he had tattoo marks on both arms and that he was born in Mossend, Scotland. Family members have told me the tattoos were a snake, a ship, and a sunrise.

From George's passport

From George’s Naturalization papers: I, George Athya, aged 28 years, occupation Mill worker, do declare on oath that my personal description is: Color White, complexion Dark, height 5’ 10”, weight 130 pounds, color of hair Dark Brown, color of eyes Blue, other visible distinctive marks Tattoo marks on both arms. I was born in Mossend, Scotland on the 26th day of June, anno, Domini 1892; I now reside at 641 Grandview Ave. Steubenville, Ohio. I emigrated to the United States of America from Glasgow, Scotland on the vessel “Columbia;” my last foreign residence was Glasgow, Scotland; I am married; the name of my wife is Mary; she was born at Bellshill, Scotland and now resides at Bellshill, Scotland. It is my bona fide intention to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, and particularly to George V. King of Great Britain and Ireland, of whom I am now a subject; I arrived at the port of New York, in the State of New York, on or about the 11th day of November, anno Domini 1920; I am not an anarchist; I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy; and it is my intention in good faith to become a citizen of the United States of America and to permanently reside therein: So Help Me God.

I once asked my mother-in-law what happened to Mary, the wife George left behind in Scotland. She told me they didn’t know. George married Bertha Edna Smith, daughter of John Milton Smith and Amanda Larimer Horne, on June 14, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

George’s nephew, James Close, died in Steubenville in February 1925. George was the informant on his death certificate.

George and Bertha lived in Paulton, Washington Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in April 1930. They had three children—John, Howard, and Mary. George’s birthplace is incorrectly listed as Pennsylvania on census records. His parents are correctly listed as being born in Scotland however. His occupation was Heater in a Steel Mill. By June 1930, the family had moved to Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and son James was born. George and his family lived at 213 South 4th Street in Apollo.

George submitted an application for a social security number on November 27, 1936. He was 44 years old when he filed. George was a steel worker working for the Committee for Industrial Organization located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a union organizer, George wasn’t happy when his daughter married someone who didn’t care for unions. They avoid each other for the most part until they all got drunk one night and George finally invited his future son-in-law into the house. Things were okay after that.

George didn’t spend much time with his children. When not working, he could be found at one of his favorite Apollo hangouts—the Mosey Inn—a beer house along the Kiskiminetas River. When he did spend time with them he would teach them to read maps.

George lost two houses while living in Pennsylvania. One, a brick house, was lost to taxes. Bertha’s Aunt Electra Smith Jack lived with them for a short time in this house. The second house, located on Cherry Lane near Apollo, was lost to the Kiskiminetas River. George built this house himself. While building the house, the family lived part of the time in a house in Paulton with Bertha’s mother, Amanda Horne Smith. When not living in that house, they lived in the Apollo 4th Street house which was owned by Bertha’s brother, Benjamin Smith. Ben did not live with them however. In 1940, George, Bertha, and the children shared this house with Josephine Horne, Bertha’s aunt. George was almost finished with the house when the Kiskiminetas River flooded. All he had left to do was paint and install the electrical fixtures. The river flooded and took the house downstream where it crashed into a bridge. His daughter Mary said the house still had the recently purchased paint and electrical fixtures in it when it was destroyed. Mary also recalled a neighbor telling them what a pretty house it was as it headed down the river. After this house was destroyed, the family lived with Amanda Smith, who was bedridden from a stroke. Amanda died shortly after the Athya family moved there. George and Bertha then moved the family to Warren, Ohio. Their oldest son John, the high school valedictorian that year, lived with Uncle Ben until graduation. Jim lived with Bertha’s brother, George Smith and his wife Verda. Howard went to Warren, Ohio with his parents. Mary stayed behind with a neighbor named Honey Flippin so she could participate in the 8th grade graduation ceremonies with her class. She lived there for approximately one month. John, Jim, and Mary eventually joined the family in Warren. George and Bertha were still living in Warren in January 1949 when his brother Robert died.

For health reasons, George and Bertha took a two week vacation to Phoenix in 1953. The doctor told Bertha it would be good for her. They ended up staying there after George called work several times to ask for more time off. George’s Arizona driver’s license shows that he weighed 129 pounds, one pound less than when he first came to America in 1920. When his license was issued on June 24, 1963, he lived at 1829 W. Pierson in Phoenix. George wore glasses.



Scattering Rose Garden

Once moving to Phoenix, George worked as a church caretaker at two different churches—First Presbyterian and then Westminster. George and Bertha lived next door to one of the churches although I don’t know which one. He was paid $100 per month and of that, $50 was used to pay rent. He and Bertha lived off the other $50 for a while until he started receiving a Social Security check. George read the Bible often and he loved to grow flowers.

Mary, her husband, and daughter moved to Phoenix the summer of 1955. They lived with George and Bertha for a year before returning to the East coast. By that time, they had added a son to the family.

At the age of 72, George died of lung cancer in Phoenix on August 30, 1964. His funeral was held on September 2, 1964. He was cremated and his ashes scattered in the Scattering Rose Garden (section 48) at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix. Family members have made three attempts to take a photo of his marker. All three times the photo was blurry. Seems to me George Athya doesn’t want that photo taken!

After George’s death, Bertha moved to back to Warren, Ohio.

52 Ancestors - #2: James Meriweather Lankford

James Meriweather Lankford, the son of Charles L. Lankford and Miss Moore, was born in 1820 (exact date unknown to me) in Jackson County, Georgia according to a “Questions for Applicant” form submitted by Caroline B. Lankford when filing for a Widow’s Indigent Pension in 1901. The same record lists James’ full name, the only record I have found listing his middle name vs. the letter “M.” James was the 2nd child of 5—William A., James, Elizabeth Ann, .Curtis Caldwell, and Robert Chester. James is my 3rd great-grandfather.

James married Caroline B. Hobbs, daughter of Nathan Augustus Hobbs, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Lankford, on December 1, 1844 in Greene County, Georgia. The ceremony was performed by Jeremiah Lindsey.

James, Caroline, daughter Mary, and son James lived in District 145 of Greene County in 1850. Their home was three houses from Caroline’s parents. James was a farmer.

In 1860, James and Caroline lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. They have added five more children to the family since 1850—Emma S., Emerette R., Nathan, Laura J., and Marion. James was a stock trader. He had real estate valued at $1500 and personal property valued at $4000. The book How Curious a Land: Conflict and Change in Greene County, Georgia, 1850–1885* by Jonathan M. Bryant states “… James Lankford made a good living trading livestock and by 1860 had accumulated more than $5,000 worth of property …”

An 1860 slave schedule shows that James owned three slaves—a 65 year old male, a 50 year old male, and a 26 year old female. The word “Murder” is written beside the female’s name. A Southern Watchman article dated April 5, 1860 speaks of a female slave—most likely the 26 year old female listed in the 1860 slave schedule: “Three Children Drowned! We learn from the Washington Independent that a negro woman belonging to Mr. James M. Lankford, of Penfield, threw her three children into his well on Tuesday night of last week, and to make sure of their destruction she descended herself by means of the rope. She was drawn out next morning, and turned over to the authorities.” Bryant’s book How Curious a Land devotes two and a half pages to the story of slave Becky, age 26. As the mother of three children, Becky was considered valuable to the Lankford’s. When Caroline caught Becky stealing dough, she threatened to severely punish her. The next day, Mary Lankford, daughter of James and Caroline, discovered Becky and her three children in the bottom of their well. Becky was still alive but her children had died. Local officials ruled the deaths murder and Becky was taken to jail in Greensboro. There were rumors of different versions of the event—did Becky murder her children to get back at the Lankford’s for threats made by Caroline? Or was Becky despondent over the threats, attempt suicide, and decide to take her children with her in death? James was known to drink and lie. Did he make up the story in a drunken stupor? Becky was valuable property to a slave owner so George Dawson, the lawyer hired by James, took the suicide angle. She was only tried for one death and it was never mentioned that it was her child. Becky was eventually found not guilty and returned to the Lankford household. If Becky thought her life was hard before, what must she have thought after all this!

Claiming residence in Greene County, Georgia, James joined the Confederate cause and enlisted in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia on April 24, 1861 as a private in Company C of the Third Regiment Georgia Infantry, or the Dawson Grays, C.S.A. He was enlisted by Capt. R. L. McWhorter. The McWhorter name was (and still is) well known in Greene County. James mustered into service at Augusta, Georgia on May 3, 1861, by Capt. R. G. Cole. On the company roll covering the period May 3 to June 30, 1861 (only roll on which borne), he was reported present. Having been transferred, James was discharged on July 15, 1862 in Portsmouth, Virginia, leaving a substitute in his place. James then served in Company C of the Georgia Troops from November 1862 until May 1865. He was with his company in Augusta when the command surrendered. George N. Boswell stated that James made a good and faithful solder and was honorably discharged with his command at the surrender.

On July 5, 1867 James swore his allegiance to the United States and registered to vote in the state of Georgia. The record shows that he lived in Greene County.

In 1869, Caroline filed for and received a plot of land in Penfield under the Homestead Act, a federal law enacted to help with Reconstruction after the Civil War ended. The petition stated that Caroline was the head of household. The plot contained four acres and was bounded by lands of Robinson and Mercer University, belonging to her husband James M. Lankford. I personally don’t understand how the Homestead Act worked. Why was Caroline filing as head of household when James was still alive? Why was she given property bounded by land owned by her husband? If anyone can shed some light on this for me, please leave a comment to this blog.

In June 1870, they lived in Penfield, assumed to be the land received from the Homestead Act. Mary, James, and Emma have left the home and James is farming. They lived at the corner of Watson Spring Road.



1880 Soundex Cards

By June 1880, James and his family have moved to Falling Creek, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. The enumerator listed him as J. L. Lankford. James is still farming. Only three children are in the home now—Emerette, Laura, and Marion. Grandsons Walter Wilson, age 8, and Julien Wilson, age 6, are living with the family. Walter and Julien (or possibly Julius) were the sons of daughter Emma, who had apparently died. James and Caroline’s son, James C., lived next door with his family. 

On several Indigent Widow’s Pension records, Caroline stated that James died in Lithonia, DeKalb County, Georgia on October 29, 1887. J. Boswell and E.S. Powell, who fought with James during the war, signed affidavits stating that James died in 1888. In 1901, his widow Caroline filed for and was approved, a Widow’s Indigent Pension. She continued to file and receive a yearly pension until her death in Baldwin County on January 8, 1906. I have found no other record showing when James died nor have I found where James or Caroline are buried.

*Bryant, Jonathan M., How Curious a Land: Conflict and Change in Greene County, Georgia, 1850–1885, published by the University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1996.

52 Ancestors - #1: Charles Homer Murphy

Last week I discovered the 52 Ancestors challenge issued by Amy Johnson Crow in January and after thinking about it a few days, thought I'd give it a try. I'm coming in very late to the challenge and don't know that I can post each week but I will at least attempt a post for 52 ancestors. It will also force me to get back to my genealogy blog which I've neglected far too long.

The first ancestor I'll blog about is my husband's grandfather, Charles Homer Murphy. He was a natural choice to me because my father-in-law is living with us right now and so I thought I'd take the opportunity to ask a few questions.

Charles Homer Murphy, the son of Martin William Murphy and Sarah Elizabeth Anderson, was born on October 11, 1885 in Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia. He was the 3rd child of 11—Cora Belle, Edward Francis, Charles, Essie Lee, William H., Ella Mae, Arliff Barrow, Tabitha M., Cecil Pearl, Addie Opal, and Olive Ruby.

Charles and his family lived in Littleton (Clay District) in 1910. The census record shows that he can read, write, and speak English.

On December 16, 1914, he married Dessie Church, daughter of Robert Church and Lucinda Murphy, in Wetzel County. Charles was 29 and Dessie was 25. Together, they had five children—Ralph, Evelyn, Raymond, Glenn, and Earl—all of whom were born at home. The family lived near Fish Creek along the railroad tracks in Littleton.

Charles registered for the World War I draft on September 12, 1918 in New Martinsville, Wetzel County. He was 32 years old and lived in Littleton. His nearest relative was Mrs. Dessie Murphy of Littleton. Charles noted that he was tall, medium built, had blue eyes, and brown hair. He listed his occupation as “helper on tools” for the South Penn Oil Company, a company with ties to John D. Rockefeller that he would eventually retire from. Charles also worked for the Hope Natural Gas Company during his lifetime, a company formed by Mr. Rockefeller.

In 1920, Charles and Dessie lived in Wetzel County next door to her parents, Robert and Lucinda Church. Charles rented the house they lived in.

On December 10, 1929, Charles was issued U.S. Patent No. 1,739,410 for a lock nut.

The 1930 census record dated April 5–7, 1930 shows Charles, Dessie, and all five of their children living in Littleton, Clay District. Dessie’s brother Presley Church lived three houses away. On April 16, 1940, the census record shows the entire family still living in Littleton. He owned the home which was valued at $850. 1940 was a tough year for the family. Charles was unemployed that year and Dessie died on November 20. Their oldest son Ralph helped raised the younger children after Dessie’s death, at least until he moved to Clarksburg.


Charles and Dessie

Charles bought a Ford Model T which he drove to Kodol, West Virginia to deliver newspapers (only four or five papers!). He liked to drive the car up the West Virginia hills. One time the wheel fell off the car. He was able to stop the car but watched the wheel roll down the hill past the car. He fueled the car with drip gas. Model T’s were produced by Henry Ford’s Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 27, 1927. We don’t know what year Charles’ Model T was or what year it was purchased.


Late in life, his son Glenn gave Charles a dog which he named Popeye. Charles loved Popeye and let him sleep in the bed with him all the time. Popeye was eventually killed when a truck ran over him.

Charles didn’t have hobbies. He worked and raised his children. After work, he ate supper, and then the family would play games such as Monopoly, cards (Hearts), or he would gather the neighborhood children in a circle and play marbles. Sometimes they would go fishing in nearby Fish Creek. The family would go to boat races on the Ohio River for fun.


Murphy family home in Littleton, West Virginia

Charles was the disciplinarian in the family but he never hit his children. He’d snap the belt to get their attention, but he never used it. Charles went to school but never graduated. He was not a religious person. He couldn’t afford to buy shoes so he cobbled the shoe soles for his family using leather he bought from the local hardware store. He would take the sheet of leather, sit down and mark out the foot, and then attach it to the shoe with glue.
In 1942, Charles registered for the World War II draft in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, West Virginia. He lived in Littleton at the time. He listed his son Raymond of Littleton as the person who would always know his address. Charles was unemployed at the time. He was 5’ 11,” weighed 155 pounds, had gray eyes, brown hair, and a ruddy complexion. The record states that the middle finger of his left hand was crooked at the first joint.

As Charles aged, he spent a lot of time in bed due to poor health. He died on November 16, 1949 at home in Littleton at the age of 64 after a brief illness. He had been plagued by heart problems for a long time. His funeral services were conducted on November 19 from the Littleton Methodist Church by Rev. H. J. Mitchell. Charles was buried beside his wife Dessie at Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Wetzel County, near the town of Hundred. Surviving were four sons: Ralph of Clarksburg; Raymond of Washington, D.C.; Glenn of Littleton; and Earl of Warren, Ohio; one daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Bailey of Buckeye, Arizona; two brothers, William Murphy of Wheeling and Ed Murphy of Littleton; five sisters, Mrs. Cora Moore of Weirton; Mrs. Ella McDougal of Penn Groce, New Jersey, Mrs. Cecil Grims of Wheeling; Mrs. Ada Garrison and Mrs. Olive Fry, both of Littleton, and one grandchild. Rev. H. J. Mitchell officiated the service. Singers were Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Dent, Mrs. Margaret Antil, Mrs. Truda Byers. The pianist was Mrs. Gertrude Allender. The song selections were “Abide With Me,” “In The Garden,” and “Going Down the Valley.” Funeral arrangements were handled by Garrett L. Hunt of Burton, West Virginia.

 

My husband, Charles, was named after his grandfather.